Venice Beach Sketchbook

Venice Beach Sketchbook

I started drawing again after a hiatus of over twenty years, and what better place to practice my rediscovered skills than Venice Beach, California. I first visited Venice in 1995, and there was something in the sand, the murals, and the alleys that enchanted me. I...
Sketching on the Left Bank

Sketching on the Left Bank

In the summer of 1977 I traveled to Europe carrying a sketchpad. These were my last months of freedom before entering medical school, and I had doubts about whether I was making the right decision. My acceptance letter was hard-earned, but I rationalized the decision...
Victory Day in Moscow

Victory Day in Moscow

Victory Day is the Russian national holiday commemorating surrender of the German army on May 9, 1945. The country fought for 6 bloody years and lost over 26 million people including 8.5 million soldiers. In Moscow there is a military parade in Red Square, and...
Manhattan After the Hurricane

Manhattan After the Hurricane

My office downtown is dark with no phone service or water, but I am thankful because my home is intact and we have electricity. Not so for many people whose lives have been upended by this historic, devastating storm. I took my camera out in the storm’s aftermath to...
The Lucky Dogs of the Moscow Metro

The Lucky Dogs of the Moscow Metro

As a New York City resident I found riding the underground railway of Moscow a sublime and surprising experience, particularly as a fan of canines. Built by Stalin in the 1930’s, the stations are constructed with marble and granite and many are adorned with...